Rochester Arts & Culture

The arts are alive in Rochester, a city bursting with outstanding cultural opportunities. With the support of such organizations as the Rochester Arts Council and the Rochester Music Guild, among others, the cultural vitality of Rochester is sure to grow in the coming years.

THEATRE

The Rochester Civic Theatre presents a regular season of live theatre, featuring high-quality comedies, dramas and musicals. The season is accompanied by a list of year-round educational opportunities. In addition to RCT’s presence in Rochester is the Rochester Repertory Theatre, presenting classical and contemporary works, and Rochester Community & Technical College’s Hill Theatre.

VISUAL ARTS

The modern 36,000-square-foot Rochester Art Center supplies an eclectic mix of contemporary exhibitions, as well as more than 100 art education programs for adults and children. The Mayo Clinic invites patients and their guests to tour various parts of the Mayo Clinic facilities, where they will learn about the history and future of the Mayo Clinic, view world-class artwork donated by patients and take in beautiful architecture. Several galleries have found a place in the cultural community of Rochester as well, notably the Southeastern Minnesota Visual Artists (SEMVA) Art Gallery, which is lined with various medias for sale.

MUSIC & DANCE

The Rochester Community Band, Rochester Chamber Music Society, Rochester Symphony Orchestra & Chorale, Southeastern Minnesota Youth Orchestra, as well as the local pre-professional Rochester Dance Company all offer an exciting season of entertainment. The Rochester Civic Music-Riverside Concerts feature various acts at such events as the annual Down by the Riverside event and Riverside Live! The city is also host to several choral groups, including the 40-voice Choral Arts Ensemble, the Rochester Music Men Barbershop Chorus, the Honors Choirs of Southeast Minnesota and the Bella Voce Young Women’s Choir.